Beneath the Surface

Nigeria aims to be landmine-free in 2025. In some locations in troubled northeast Nigeria, residents walk on eggshells. Beyond the fierce insurgency that has enveloped communities for years, landmines are other forms of stealth terror facing residents. Nigeria has one of the world’s highest casualty figures involving landmines and unexploded bombs, according to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a non-profit organisation that assists people affected by landmines, unexploded ordinances and small arms and light weapons (SALWs). About 1,052 casualties resulting from 697 incidents were recorded between 2016 and 2020 in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, according to MAG.

Deaths to landmines have continued in 2024. An incident in Borno State led to eight deaths on the 9^th of January, 2024. Insurgent groups use land mines, planting them in remote areas and around military bases. Incidents of landmine explosions have claimed the lives of security forces and civilians alike. In Niger State, four security personnel were killed when their patrol vehicle detonated a landmine in February 2022. In the cases of civilian deaths, an incident in Borno where a vehicle hit a roadside mine caused the death of eight people in March 2019.

The volatility in some northeast Nigerian communities puts vulnerable groups at risk of violence and its consequences. Landmines will pose more concerns for them. Persons living with disabilities, displaced people and children face risks posed by landmines and unexploded ordinances. Children have especially been vulnerable to the dangers of mines. There are incidents where some children in the North East have mistaken bombs for toys while playing. Such cases have led to numerous casualties.

As a result of landmines and explosives, farming and rehabilitation of displaced people have been affected, contributing to the unending humanitarian crises. The conflict in the North East has brought about widespread displacement, with IDP camps brimming with refugees fleeing violent conflict. Calls by the Borno State government, for instance, for the return of displaced persons to their original homes puts returnees at risk of unexploded mines.

The Nigerian government has demonstrated commitment to addressing landmine risks by re-establishing a national action group and aiming to become landmine-free by 2025. However, incidents of mine explosions have continued to occur as the target year draws closer. The Nigerian troops have made some effort to reduce the risks of landmines, as seen in the detonation of other explosives shortly after the incident in Kunibaa village during their patrol.

While humanitarian and advocacy organisations have contributed to the mop-up of cluster munitions and unexploded bombs from places affected by conflict, there is a need to intensify efforts at identifying and destroying landmines, especially in North East Nigeria. This greatly depends on the Nigerian security operatives’ abilities to repel insurgent activities to a point where such groups can actively carry out weapons mop-up for the safety of all. Furthermore, there is a need to assure displaced families of safety from landmines before encouraging them to return home. There is also a need to create awareness, especially in conflict-affected communities, of identifying landmines and their dangers. Stakeholders, non-profit organisations and the Nigerian government must cooperate towards supporting demining mechanisms necessary to develop a structured mine action programme.